Ten newborns have lost their lives after a fire broke out at the neonatal unit of an Indian hospital in Jhansi city in India’s Uttar Pradesh state at about 10:30 pm on Friday night, Edum News reports.
Confirming the tragedy on Saturday, Indian authorities revealed that the fire started from a faulty oxygen machine.
According to Brajesh Pathak, the deputy chief minister of the state, 55 babies were in the unit when the fire broke out but 45 babies were rescued and are receiving medical care.
He further stated that initial investigation reveals that the fire was able to spread through the unit due to lapses in safety protocols, including expired fire extinguishers and non-functional fire alarms, which delayed rescue efforts.
The deputy chief minister of the state who visited the hospital consoled the families of the deceased infants, pledging the government support and commitment to a thorough investigation.
“We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government stands with families during this difficult time,” he said.
He also disclosed that DNA tests were being carried out after which the bodies of the babies will be handed over to their families.
